TRACK TWO - MYTHIC WOMAN

Ironically, empowered female leaders are more often found in myth than in historic records.

Yet these episodes are not without their own set of considerations. A number of mythic females, who took power or circumstance into their own hands, are explored below. As you read, be aware of the fact that very few of these women are actual political leaders. Rather, they are individuals who took power into their own hands for the sake of masculine ideals of justice, maintaining of the status quo, or of freedom of expression.



Procne and Philomela

Inspiring a number of future revenge tragedies, the tale of the sisters Procne and Philomela is disturbing, tragic, and full of darkness and sorrow. Yet it also provides an example of disenfranchised females who took power into their own hands and hit a male ruler where it hurts--his heir and legacy. Ovid's telling of this myth focuses far more on the gory details of the crime rather than the experience of the women.
As you read this myth, examine it in the context of rejection of motherhood for the sake of justice and empowerment.

Lucretia

The story of Lucretia is key to the founding myths of Ancient Rome. Raped by the son of the last King of Rome, Lucretia told of the wrong done her to her father and husband, then took it upon herself to take her own life publicly, as atonement for what she felt was her shame. Lucretia is held in high regard in Roman culture, often as the standard of rightful female behavior when the crime of rape is committed. What do you feel about the outcome of this episode? Was Lucretia truly empowered, or show qualities as a leader that, were she born male and in different circumstances, could have been used to greater public benefit?

Live Track

The theme of rape is ubiquitous with the feminine in myth. Numerous theories abound regarding the link between rape, agency, power, and suppression. In recent years, pushing against the "rape culture" of modern society, there has been a great push to remove the proliferation of rape and assault in female narratives. As you read through the accounts of rape in this module, consider the power struggle being portrayed, and how the assault affects the female character. Then read the following Jezebel article regarding rape as motivation in stories of female agency. What are your opinions on the link between power and rape in the context of female empowerment and leadership?



Dido and Aeneas

Dido is praised by Vergil often in the Aeneid. However, examine her story critically. What leadership traits is he praising? Would you say these traits are masculine, feminine, or is there a difference?


Demeter and Persephone/Medea

What does motherhood do in the context of female leadership? Many female leaders tend to focus on this aspect of themselves, demonstrating either their lack of motherhood as testament to their commitment to their service, or by focusing on their success as a working, or serving, mother to show both their work ethic and their female virtue. What does it to to your perceptions of a female leader when she rejects the assumption of the need for maternity made by society? What doe